The three stages of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that gradually affects brain function. The disease is typically described in three main stages – early, middle and late – but some models divide the progression into up to seven stages.
Alzheimer’s disease can be divided into three main stages
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that gradually affects the brain’s functions. The disease develops in three main stages: early, moderate and late. Each stage has its own characteristic symptoms and challenges. Here we describe these stages and what defines them.
Early stage: mild Alzheimer’s
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, symptoms are often mild and can easily be confused with age-related memory problems. Common signs include difficulty remembering recently learned information, keeping track of time, and finding the right words in conversation. The person may also struggle to plan or organise everyday tasks. Despite these challenges, the individual can usually continue to live independently, although loved ones often notice that something is not quite right.
Middle stage: moderate Alzheimer’s
As Alzheimer’s progresses to the middle stage, symptoms become more pronounced and affect daily life to a greater extent. Memory loss worsens, and the person may forget important events or details from their own life. Difficulties performing everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or managing finances, become increasingly apparent. Confusion, disorientation and behavioural changes are also common. During this stage, the person may need assistance with certain activities to manage daily life.
Late stage: severe Alzheimer’s
In the late stage of Alzheimer’s, the disease has seriously impaired brain function. The person may lose the ability to communicate, recognise loved ones, and manage basic needs such as eating or moving. Physical health problems, such as difficulty swallowing and increased risk of infections, are also common. At this stage, the person typically requires around-the-clock care. The disease ultimately leads to the gradual shutdown of the body’s vital functions.
Alzheimer’s 7 stages – an alternative model
In addition to the three-stage model, a more detailed model using 7 stages is sometimes used, originally developed by Dr Barry Reisberg. In this model, the progression is divided into: (1) no symptoms, (2) very mild changes, (3) early symptoms, (4) mild Alzheimer’s, (5) moderate Alzheimer’s, (6) severe Alzheimer’s, (7) very severe Alzheimer’s. The 7-stage model provides a more nuanced picture of the progression, but the three-stage model remains the most widely used in clinical practice and international literature.
Read more about life expectancy with Alzheimer’s disease.
Read more: Alzheimer’s disease – Life expectancy with Alzheimer’s – What is dementia? – Dementia tracker
Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm
Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.
READ ABOUT HOW SENSOREMS PERSONAL ALARM CAN HELP WITH DEMENTIA
References
- [1] Reisberg B, et al. “The Global Deterioration Scale.” American Journal of Psychiatry, 1982.
- [2] Alzheimer’s Association. Stages of Alzheimer’s. https://www.alz.org
- [3] NHS. Alzheimer’s disease. https://www.nhs.uk